Your skin tells your story, but unwanted changes in tone and pigment can leave you feeling less confident than you deserve. If you notice dark patches or uneven areas, you might wonder if it’s melasma, hyperpigmentation, or something else.
Understanding the cause can help you create a treatment plan to restore your natural glow.
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation characterized by dark, symmetrical facial patches, often caused by hormonal changes. Hyperpigmentation refers to any skin darkening or discoloration, including sun damage and age spots.
At Sea Glo Med Spa + Wellness, we help identify your skin concerns and rejuvenate your complexion. With nourishing organic skincare and innovative technology like Skin Classic, we help renew your skin.
What Are Melasma & Hyperpigmentation?
While melasma and hyperpigmentation both appear as darkened areas on the skin, they stem from different causes, leading to unique approaches in treating each condition.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a chronic condition characterized by patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration, often appearing on the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.
It’s common in women and is often linked to hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or from using birth control. Sun exposure is another major trigger, intensifying the contrast of melasma on the skin.
Key characteristics of melasma:
- Typically symmetrical, with matching patches on both sides of the face
- Often associated with hormonal fluctuations
- Aggravated by UV rays & heat
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to any darkening of the skin caused by an overproduction of melanin. You can experience skin discoloration due to acne scars, sun damage, or skin injuries, such as cuts or burns.
Unlike melasma, hyperpigmentation can appear anywhere on the body and is not typically tied to hormonal fluctuations.
Key characteristics of hyperpigmentation:
- Appears as dark spots or patches, often following skin trauma (like acne)
- Often caused by UV exposure, inflammation, or environmental factors
- It can occur on any skin type or tone
How to Tell the Difference
While both conditions result in dark patches, looking closely at their triggers and patterns can help you distinguish between each skin concern.
Symmetry
Melasma is often symmetrical (mirrored on both sides of the face), while hyperpigmentation tends to be more irregular.
Triggers
Melasma thrives on hormonal changes and sun exposure. The “mask of pregnancy” (chloasma) is a form of melasma caused by pregnancy hormones, affecting about 50–70% of people during their pregnancy.
Hyperpigmentation often develops from skin trauma, such as injuries, sun damage, or lingering post-inflammatory marks.
Location
Hyperpigmentation can appear anywhere on the skin. However, melasma favors the facial “mask zone” (cheeks, nose, and forehead).
Transformative Treatments at Sea Glo Med Spa
Now that you understand the difference, the next step is rejuvenation. At Sea Glo Med Spa, we combine innovative treatments with soothing, natural skincare products. With care and skill, we can help you revitalize your complexion.
Skin Classic
Skin Classic uses gentle, high-frequency energy to address pigmentation at its source. The treatment is ideal for targeting smaller areas affected by melasma or blemishes, delivering precision to help reveal brighter, healthier skin.
Skin Classic is a noninvasive, quick treatment that can offer a speedy recovery.
Sea Glo Enzyme Therapy
Experience the rejuvenating power of Alaskan seaweed, naturally infused into our enzyme therapy treatments. Our luxurious formula helps detoxify, brighten and hydrate your skin, promoting cellular health while fading areas of discoloration.
The result? A luminous glow that feels as healthy as it looks.
- Rich in natural antioxidants & vitamins from local Alaskan seaweed
- Calms inflammation & gently exfoliates to reveal radiant skin
Chemical Peels
For a more intensive refresh, our chemical peels use medical-grade ingredients to remove layers of damaged skin, revealing a brighter tone beneath. They’re customizable to address your unique pigmentation concerns, perfect for both melasma and hyperpigmentation.
We offer a range of peels tailored to different skin types, concerns, and levels of downtime:
- Lite Brite Peel: A gentle blend of TCA, mandelic, and lactic acids that targets discoloration with no visible peeling. It’s ideal for a consistent brightening effect and can be done as often as every two weeks.
- Get Glowing Micro Peel: Formulated with kojic and salicylic acids, this peel offers mild peeling over 7–10 days and is easy to conceal with makeup. It’s great for gradually lifting pigmentation while maintaining your regular routine.
- Skin Renewal Peel: A more intensive option combining resorcinol, kojic acid, and salicylic acid. This peel stimulates deep skin renewal—quadrupling basal cell production. Expect about 8–9 days of downtime as the skin darkens and sheds like parchment paper, revealing dramatically rejuvenated skin beneath.
Caring for Your Skin Between Treatments
For long-term results, consistency is key. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your results—and your glow—after your treatment.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
UV rays are a significant trigger for both melasma and hyperpigmentation. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, rain or shine.
Follow Your Skincare Routine
Brightening serums and gentle exfoliators can help keep pigmentation at bay. Skin-brightening serums are full of antioxidants that can help improve skin tone.
Hydrate & Protect
Pair your treatments with nourishing products like our Sea Glo Alaskan Seaweed Skincare line to enhance your glow.
Illuminate Your Skin with Sea Glo
Every skin story is different, and at Sea Glo, we’re here to offer personalized solutions that meet your unique needs. Whether you’re tackling melasma, hyperpigmentation, or just looking for a refresh, our experienced team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
It’s time to reclaim your radiant glow. Book a consultation with us today, and explore the treatments and products that will leave your skin looking as vibrant as you feel.
